Golf-hole device.



"0. 672.395- Patented Apr. I6, l90l.

- F. B. FELTON.

GOLF HOLE DEVICE. (Application filed Mar. 29, 1900.;

(No Model.)

.w n a WITNESSES ATTORNEY Tu: mam vmns 0o. PHOYQLITNO. wismuuwn, o c.

UNITED STATES f ATENT rricii.

FRANK B. FELTQN, OF BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR TO ll/IARCELLUS HARTLEY, OF NE\V YORK, N. Y.

GOLF-"HOLE DEVICE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 672,395, dated April 16, 1901.

Application filed March 29,1900. Serial No. 10,641. (No model.)

To a whom it may concern;

Be it known that I, FRANK B. FELTON, a citi zen of the United States, and a resident of Bridgeport, in the county of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Golf-Hole Devices, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to an improved device for golf-holes, adapted to receive the ball and hole-marker; and it consists in certain details of construction to be more fully set forth in the following specification.

To enable others to understand my invention, reference is had to the accompanying drawings, in which-- Figure 1 represents a central sectional view of a sheet-metal cylindrical shell having a cast-iron base inserted in a golf-hole, said base provided with a foot to prevent the said cylinder settling into the ground farther than desired, also a broken view of the hole-marker and a central sectional view of its guide and upper support mounted thereon. Fig. 2 is a modified construction of the cylinder made of one piece of cast metal, the foot of which is made concave. Fig. 3 is a detail view of the hole-marker with a spring-guide and upper support attached thereto. Fig. 4 is a detail upper plan view of the hole-marker guide and upper support shown at Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a detail upper plan view of the hole-marker guide and upper support shown at Fig. 1. Fig. 6 shows a lining made of sheet metal and a cast base made more concave than shown at Fig. 2.

Its construction and operation are as follows:

1, Fig. 1, represents a shell made of sheet metal and riveted to the cast-iron base 2, provided with the inclined sides 2, at the bottom of which is the hole 3 to receive the marker 4. This cylindrical body is inserted in the hole 5, formed in the ground. I-Ieretofore the lower edges of these cylinders have rested at the bottom of the said hole, and the tendency has invariably been to settle in the earth, so that the upper edges of said cylinders will be lower than the surface of the putting-green, which results in caving in of the earth at the top. To overcome this annoying feature, I have constructed the base with the broad flange 6, which, resting on the bottom of the hole, will efiectually prevent the cylinder settling a particle below the surface of the putting-green.

'7, Fig. 1, is a combined guide and support for the upper part of the marker 4 and is adjustably secured thereto by the set-screw S. This supporting-guide is intended to remain on the marker as a permanent fixture and is removed therewith. Itisjust enough smaller than the interior of the cylinder 1 to allow it to drop freely therein. To limit the descent of the marker and its supporting-guide, I have provided the stops 9 by simply forming a crimp or groove in the other surface of the cylinder, which forces the stock in sufficient to afford aresting place for the said supporting-guide. 10 are holes through said supporting-guide to prevent aircompression when it is inserted in the cylinder. To insure the easy entrance of the supporting-guide into the cylinder-hole lining, I bevel or flange the upper edge of said lining, as shown at a. In Fig. 3 is seen a modification of this supporting-guide, consisting of the hub 11, to which are riveted the curved springs 12, adapted to crowd against the interior walls of the cylinder, and thus hold the marker in an upright or vertical position.

In Fig. 2 is seen a modification of the shell or cylinder that is adapted to form the interior walls of the golf-hole. This is made of a single piece of cast-iron, whose sides I are preferably tapered as they approach the top to reduce the weight as much as possible. It is provided with the same inclined sides 2 and hole 3 and foot 6. If desired, the concave 13 can be formed in the under surface of the foot 6, extending up far enough to meet the inclined sides 2. The earth packing into this recess will produce the same result as if the lower surface were level, as shown at Fig. 1.

With the construction shown at Fig. 6 there would be no necessity for a snpportingguide on the marker, as the concave 13 extends up far enough to place the hole 3* in a position where it would support said marker in combination, of course, with the hole 15 in the ground, as it is quite evident that the hole 3 would not of itself be sufficient to afford the necessary support without the said hole 15.

As there is no appreciable support for the marker at the bottom of the cylinder the supporting-guide attached to the said marker is indispensable to keep it in an upright position. Therefore the gist of my invention lies in this feature, and also in the broad supporting-foot to keep the cylinder or hole lining from settling, it being understood, however, that I make no claim as to the exact shape of this foot, as the shape isim material so long as it presents a surface broad enough to sustain the Weight of the lining and prevent its settling in the ground.

Where the cast-iron construction (shown at Fig. 2) is used, the rivets 14L Will serve the same purpose as the indentation 9. (Shown at Fig. 1.)

Having thus described my invention, What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is 4 1. The herein-described golf -hole lining, consisting of a shell and a supporting-base broad enough to prevent settling of the Whole structure into the ground, said base having a hole therethrough for the marker and inclined or funnel-shaped bottom to guide said marker into said hole, a recess in thebottom or foot of said base deep enough to carry the hole for said marker far enough up to form, in combination with the hole in the ground, a support to keep the said marker ina vertical position, for the purpose set forth.

2. The herein-described golf -hole lining, consisting of a shell adapted to fill the hole in the ground, a base connected with said shell, the foot of said base broad enough to prevent the structure settling into the ground,- a funnel-shaped ball-receptacle, a recess in the bottom of said foot said recess opening into said receptacle so as to leave an opening or hole for the marker, for the purpose set forth.

Signed at Bridgeport, in the county of Fair field and State of Connecticut, this 28th day of March, A. D. 1900.

FRANK B. FELTON.

Witnesses:

SAMUEL G. MEEKER, ISAAC M. STETSON. 

